The reactivity of Co-Mg-O in the gas phase selective oxidation of methanol,
ethanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol was studied by using a tubular flow re
actor. The Co-Mg-O system has shown its potential as a selective oxidation
catalyst for the production of aldehydes from ethanol and 1-propanol. The m
ajor selective oxidation products for the oxidation of ethanol and 1-propan
ol were ethanal and propanal, respectively. In the operating conditions inv
estigated, ethanal and propanal yields up to 58% and 53%, respectively, wer
e obtained. Oxidation of methanol produced mainly CO2 while the major produ
ct for the oxidation of 2-propanol was propene. Finally, two reaction pathw
ays were proposed.